Effect of moisture on the granulation and sintering characteristics of sinter materials with carbide slag as a flux

Carbide slag is a solid waste generated during acetylene production mostly not exceeding 200 μm, mainly composed of Ca(OH)2. Using carbide slag as a flux for iron ore sintering is a promising utilization method. The effect of moisture on the granulation and sintering process of sinter mixtures with carbide slag as a flux was studied in this study. The results indicate that carbide slag suppresses the deterioration of bed compressive strength with increasing moisture compared with our previous work. As the granulation moisture increases from 5.73% to 7.66%, the Sauter mean diameter of the granules increases from 1.48 mm to 3.35 mm, and the flame front speed increases from 20.55 mm/min to 34.09 mm/min. However, excessive moisture worsens the thermal pattern of the sintering bed, causing a decrease in the peak temperature from 1377 °C to 1340 °C. There is an optimal moisture content that maximizes the comprehensive index. [Display omitted] •Carbide slag enhances bed stiffness like Ca(OH)2 but is more moisture-dependent.•Moisture affects multiple sintering indicators with carbide slag added.•There is optimal moisture that can optimize the utilization effect of carbide slag.